Canals, museums and a different concert district
The canal houses around Prinsengracht, the Rijksmuseum and the monumental facade of Amsterdam Centraal give three distinct views of Amsterdam: a residential waterway, a museum quarter and a railway gateway. They also help explain the city's layout. A day around the central canals is quite different from an evening around the large entertainment buildings in the southeast.
AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome: plan for Zuidoost
Both venues listed here are in the ArenA Boulevard area of Zuidoost, alongside the football stadium. AFAS Live, Ziggo Dome and Johan Cruijff ArenA are separate buildings, so a ticket simply saying 'Amsterdam' is not enough for navigation. Set your destination to the exact venue and check its entrance instructions. A hotel beside the canals can work for sightseeing, but include the return journey from Zuidoost when comparing locations.
A manageable day before the show
Choose either the Rijksmuseum and its surrounding streets or a canal walk, rather than trying to cover every central attraction before doors open. Leave time to return to your accommodation if you have museum purchases or luggage. Around ArenA Boulevard, several large venues may operate on the same evening; a meeting point named after your actual concert building is clearer than 'outside the stadium'.
